Pulp and Paper Operator

Careers information

What do they do?

Pulp and paper operators use machinery and equipment to make pulp and paper. They understand both manual and computer-controlled systems and processes and monitor, maintain and make minor repairs to ensure a consistent quality of output throughout the production process.

A typical day

Typically, an 8-hour day or shift work. A typical day involves monitoring and operating waste treatment plants to ensure environmental compliance, operating chemical plants, set and operate wood-chip machinery, operate refiners, boilers and large complex dryers and pulp converting machinery.

Sound like you?

Study areas

Attributes

Helpful experience

Preferred work environments

English or Media or History

Maths or Accounting or Economics

Sciences or Workshop Technology

Computing/ICT/Information Management

Reasonable strength and fitness

Good organisation skills

Good at problem solving/creative

Good work habits/time management

Customer service or helping people

Making or fixing things

Working with machinery

Inside (workshop or plant)

Career pathway

School

Entry level jobs

Advancing jobs

Senior jobs

NCEA Level 2 is ideal

Pulp and Paper Operator

Team Leader

Business Manager

Unit/Achievement standards in schools

Traineeship or Apprenticeship

Higher learning

Higher learning

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